TfL Confirms 2033 Completion Date and £1.62 Billion Cost for DLR Thamesmead Extension
After years of anticipation and speculation, Transport for London has finally unveiled the definitive timeline and financial details for the long-awaited Docklands Light Railway extension into southeast London. The project, which will extend the DLR beyond its current terminus at Gallions Reach to serve Beckton Riverside and Thamesmead, represents one of the capital's most significant transport infrastructure investments in recent years.
Decades in the Making: From Concept to Concrete Plans
Initial proposals for extending the Docklands Light Railway to Thamesmead were first floated as far back as 2010, with London Mayor Sadiq Khan periodically providing updates to transport-deprived southeast London communities. The original target completion date of 2026 was subsequently pushed back to 2028, before further revisions extended the project's scope and timeline.
Now, TfL has issued a formal tender for the construction contract, confirming that work on the ambitious extension is scheduled to commence in 2028, with completion anticipated by 2033. This seven-year construction window represents a substantial commitment to improving connectivity in an area historically underserved by rapid transit options.
Route Details and Station Development
The extension will see the DLR network expand eastward from Gallions Reach, with two brand new stations planned at:
- Beckton Riverside: Serving the developing riverside communities
- Thamesmead: Providing crucial transport links to this substantial southeast London district
These new stations are expected to transform accessibility for residents and businesses in the area, potentially stimulating economic development and reducing reliance on road transport.
Financial Framework and Funding Strategy
The total projected cost for the DLR extension stands at a substantial £1.62 billion, making it one of London's most expensive current transport infrastructure projects. The funding model will see the Greater London Authority and TfL borrowing the majority of required capital, though government financial support for the scheme remains uncertain at this stage.
Fleet Developments and Service Enhancements
Separately, TfL continues to modernise its DLR rolling stock, with new B23 trains having begun introduction to the network in September 2025. However, these have been temporarily withdrawn as a precautionary measure following the identification of a faulty braking system. The trains are expected to return to service by the end of 2026, well ahead of the extension's construction phase.
This announcement comes alongside other significant London transport developments, including major station closures at the capital's busiest rail hub and increased Elizabeth line services at three west London stations, collectively representing a substantial period of investment and improvement across London's transport network.
